A Novel Technique of Approach in a Skeletally Immature Case of Chondroblastoma – A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Chondroblastoma is a rare benign cartilaginous neoplasm arising in the epiphysis of long bones in young patients. It is an uncommon benign but locally aggressive tumor, mostly located in the secondary centers of ossification. These tumors arise near a joint or growth plate and surgical excision is always challenging. Case Report: A 13-year-old boy presented with intermittent knee pain, swelling, and limitation of movements for 1 year. On examination, magnetic resonance imaging revealed a hyperintense lesion in distal femoral epiphysis with superior transphyseal extension and inferior thinning of cortex with cartilage breach. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of chondroblastoma of distal femur. We report a novel technique of approach in a case of distal femoral chondroblastoma in a skeletally immature individual. Conclusion: The technique we incorporated had an adequate exposure to reach the lesion for a complete curettage and bone grafting. It also reduced further injury to cartilage and physeal plate. Keywords: Chondroblastoma, cartilage breach, curettage, bone grafting.

Does the intercondylar approach provide a better outcome for chondroblastoma of the distal femur in skeletally immature patients?

“…A review of the literature shows ongoing attempts to reduce the postoperative oncological and surgical complications of chondroblastoma. 11,26,27 The results of the present study reveal that the intercondylar notch approach may reduce the postoperative complications of chondroblastoma.…”

“…An intercondylar approach for the treatment of distal femur chondroblastoma has only been reported in one earlier case study, and was introduced as a way of providing better surgical exposure to the lesion. 11 In this study, we compared the outcomes of the intercondylar approach with the medial/ lateral approach in the surgical treatment of skeletally immature patients with a chondroblastoma of the distal femur.…”